State Election Board to Address Complaints and Audit Counties, Including Howard and Pike

During a meeting on December 11, 2024, the State Board of Election Commissioners (SBEC) voted to send complaints for violations of state election laws to seven of the 11 Arkansas counties monitored during the 2024 general election. While details of these complaints are not yet publicly available due to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, they stem from reports compiled by state election monitors. Issues ranged from a ballot error in Crawford County to concerns about precinct assignments and poll closures in Izard County.

Though the specific counties facing complaints were not named, the SBEC did note that counties like Crawford, Crittenden, Monroe, and Nevada were not the subject of formal complaints. The board also addressed challenges faced in Izard County, where deep community divides led to election disruptions. SBEC Director Chris Madison emphasized the importance of monitoring such areas and ensuring fair processes.

The SBEC also revealed that Howard and Pike counties, along with several others including Benton, Faulkner, and Searcy, would be included in the upcoming round of random election audits. These audits will assess election accuracy and procedure across the state.

In addition to monitoring complaints and audits, Madison outlined proposals for the upcoming legislative session, including measures to require voter assistant identification and a broader effort to ensure counties maintain 100% accuracy in future audits.

Madison’s office also noted ongoing efforts to tackle election integrity, including referrals for illegal voting cases, with a particular focus on unregistered individuals casting provisional ballots.

These actions reflect the state’s ongoing commitment to ensuring secure and transparent elections in the wake of the 2024 general election.